Women at Church: Magnifying LDS Women’s Local Impact

$15.37 $21.95

“Men need to read this book as much as the women.” — The Exponent “This book gives me a lot of reasons for hope.” — FairMormon “A fuller personification of the expansive LDS doctrine of women’s potential.” — Mormon Times “A monumental piece of work that comes at a time when it is sorely needed.” — This Week in Mormons “Read it yourself, then give a copy to your mom, your husband, your bishop, your Relief Society president, and your best girlfriends.” — Segullah

Book Description:

Women at Church is a practical and faithful guide to improving the way men and women work together at church. Looking at current administrative and cultural practices, the author explains why some women struggle with the gendered divisions of labor. She then examines ample real-life examples that are currently happening in local settings around the country that expand and reimagine gendered practices. Readers will understand how to evaluate possible pain points in current practices and propose solutions that continue to uphold all mandated church policies. Readers will be equipped with the tools they need to have respectful, empathetic and productive conversations about gendered practices in Church administration and culture.

Also, please visit the companion website, womenatchurch.com, to share your own experiences and read about others who have found success in bettering the lives of Mormon women.

Praise for Women at Church:

“Such a timely, faithful, and practical book! I suggest ordering this book in bulk to give to your bishopric, stake presidency, and all your local leadership to start a conversation on changing Church culture for women by letting our doctrine suggest creative local adaptations—Neylan McBaine shows the way!” — Valerie Hudson Cassler, author of Women in Eternity, Women of Zion

“A pivotal work replete with wisdom and insight. Neylan McBaine deftly outlines a workable programme for facilitating movement in the direction of the ‘privileges and powers’ promised the nascent Female Relief Society of Nauvoo.” — Fiona Givens, co-author of The God Who Weeps: How Mormonism Makes Sense of Life

“With her keen insights, Neylan McBaine has emerged as a leading voice in a necessary conversation. Women at Church brings attention to gender issues while offering innovative solutions. A truly remarkable resource that belongs in every Latter-day Saint home!” — Juliann Reynolds, co-founder and member of the Board of Directors of FairMormon

“Neylan McBaine’s voice is uniquely important. She speaks as a unifier, knowledgeable of gender issues and attentive to all perspectives. I particularly like her questions—some paradoxical (“How do we respect the traditions, practices, and truths of our earliest progenitors, while holding sacred the rebel explosion of the Restoration?); some rhetorical (“How can we dismiss others’ pain simply because we do not feel it ourselves?”); some inviting introspection in all of our conversations about gender (“Who will feel closer to God if my ideas are implemented?”). Women at Churchinvites respect of all for all, and particularly for any woman who identifies herself as a member of the ‘armies of SHElaman’ , standing as a witness for Christ in any circumstance and transcending argument with love.” — Margaret Blair Young, co-author of Standing on the Promises

“Considered, sensitive, important. Neylan's exceptional ability as a writer has provided us with an in-depth look at issues which will surely open positive avenues for dialogue.” — Beverly Campbell, author of Eve and the Choice Made in Eden

“In her timely and brilliant findings, Neylan McBaine issues a gracious invitation to rethink our assumptions about women’s public Church service. Well researched, authentic, and respectful of the current Church administrative structure, McBaine shares exciting and practical ideas that address diverse needs and involve all members in the meaningful work of the Church.” — Camille Fronk Olson, author of Women of the Old Testament and Women of the New Testament

“Smart, aware and concerned, Neylan McBaine provides thought-provoking stories and ideas about giving more prominence to LDS women’s voices. We hope this book will also prompt LDS couples to discuss their Priesthood partnerships.” — Linda and Richard Eyre, authors of The Turning: Why the State of the Family Matters and What the World Can Do about It

“Neylan compellingly describes how LDS women do find, and might expand, their personal, spiritual, and organizational empowerment in the LDS Church as it functions in local wards and stakes—where women serve as leaders who supervise and preach, teach, and minister to fellow church members.” — Maxine Hanks, editor of Women and Authority: Re-emerging Mormon Feminism

“In Women at Church, Neylan McBaine artfully addresses the perception of Mormon feminism from the perspective of an orthodox believer; weaving their stories in with those who have traditionally been maligned for identifying concerns surrounding the position of women in the LDS Church. Rather than pose church members as opposing factions, Neylan draws us closer together in a narrative that highlights our potentially common goals. The book is accessible and offers a way forward for faithful seekers to highlight the contributions of women in the Church and empower all people in the spirit of equity in the Gospel of Christ.” — Lindsay Hansen Park, founder of the Feminist Mormon Housewives Podcast

“Neylan McBaine has a wonderful mind! What I love about it is her ability to focus on the important, essential questions, without getting distracted by instant solutions. Good questions are the only way to finding good answers.” — Clayton M. Christensen, author of The Power of Everyday Missionaries

“Her approach is one of consensus building, while taking into account the very real differences that occur among members. She is hopeful, and calls for ways of staying within the church in order to improve it for everybody. I like her approach. I find her hope infectious. . . . Upon finishing, I handed this book to my husband. If we are going to talk about gender issues at church, men need to read this book as much as the women who might be confused or suffering. I hope many local leaders take the time to listen, whether to McBaine or to the men and women who might approach them with concerns and suggestions.” — Emily January Petersen, The Exponent

“I thank God for people like Neylan, speaking from a place of faithfulness and rootedness in the Mormon tradition.” — Jana Reiss, Flunking Sainthood

“Women at Churchengenders true empathy and inspires faithful action—a potent combination for those who wish to enrich the experiences of LDS women at church.” — Blair Hodges, By Common Consent

“Those looking for a book of principles for addressing gender concerns . . . may find much in Women at Church to help LDS women have broader impact, less frustration and a fuller personification of the expansive LDS doctrine of women’s potential.” — Wendy Ulrich, Mormon Times

“This is a monumental piece of work that comes at a time when it is sorely needed. . . . . Neylan McBaine makes an excellent case for healing and pushing forward as a unified front in Women at Church.” — Geoff Openshaw, This Week in Mormons

"I greatly enjoyed this book . . . There is work to be done in Zion, the good work of loving The Lord and loving each other." — Emmett O. Rabs, Approaching Justice

"What Neylan does, and does at a much-needed time, is allow the discussion of the roles and experiences of women and the church to be presented in a non-threatening manner." - Brandt Malone, The Cultural Hall Podcast

Podcasts and Interviews:

About the Author:

Neylan McBaine, a life-long Mormon, grew up in New York City and later attended Yale University. She currently lives with her husband and three young daughters and works as a brand strategist for an advertising agency in Salt Lake City. Widely published as a religion writer, Neylan founded the Mormon Women Project, a digital library of interviews with LDS women from around the world, in an effort to emphasize the many ways that modern faithful women choose the right. The site, which posts about one interview a week with the help of dozens of volunteers, includes over 250 interviews with LDS women from 22 countries.

In honor of Women's History month, we are pleased to offer the following discounts on ebooks and print books. Ebook sale ends Saturday, 3/9/2019 “The authors connect ordinary lives with enduring themes.”...